Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara said the state would provide an input subsidy of ₹2,500 to each drought-affected farmer as immediate relief. The first phase of the measure is expected to cover around 45-50 lakh farmers and cost the state exchequer about ₹1,250 crore.
The assistance will be provided while Karnataka awaits financial support from the Centre under the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) framework. Parameshwara said the state would consider further relief after the extent of central assistance becomes clear.
Karnataka has submitted a memorandum seeking drought assistance from the Centre. The state government has estimated that losses from the drought could exceed ₹40,000 crore, while additional memoranda are expected after the assessment of losses is completed.
A central team is also expected to visit Karnataka to assess the drought situation and losses according to the prescribed guidelines. The date of the visit has not yet been finalised.
The government has also proposed an all-party delegation to New Delhi to raise the drought situation with the Prime Minister, Union Home Minister and Union Agriculture Minister. Parameshwara said an all-party meeting would be held before the delegation’s visit.
Separately, Chief Minister D K Shivakumar announced an increase in allowances for civic workers. The breakfast allowance will be doubled from ₹35 to ₹70, with a government order expected to be issued on the revised allowances.
Shivakumar also announced the formation of a Cabinet sub-committee to examine the various demands of civic workers. The committee will comprise Social Welfare Minister K H Muniyappa, Urban Development Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah and Muzrai Minister Basavanthappa.The government said it would continue the regularisation of civic workers. Shivakumar said 12,609 civic workers had been regularised since the Congress government came to power in 2023 and said the remaining workers would also be considered for regularisation.
Other measures announced for civic workers include Rs 7.5 lakh for house construction and a proposal to establish residential schools in urban areas for their children on the lines of Karnataka Public Schools.
The government also plans to construct a dedicated building for civic workers, called ‘Poura Bhavan’, with work expected to begin within two months. Shivakumar further announced that Civic Workers’ Day would be observed every year.
The government said the measures for civic workers would also cover broader welfare and health-related concerns, along with employment and working conditions.
-With PTI inputs
First Published: Sept 26, 2026 11:36 AM IST